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Pupils from Notre Dame du Rosaire Primary School held a 'Disco for Dolly' and wore mufti on Friday to raise funds for medical treatment for a poorly therapy pony.
Dolly, a Miniature Shetland, has visited the school on several occasions and the children wanted to raise money for specialist dental treatment she requires.
Nate Newton, who is nine, dressed as a pony for the fundraising efforts.
“I love when Dolly comes to visit us because she makes everyone smile and cheers everyone up,” he said.
"We want to raise money to make Dolly smile too."
Pictured (l to r): Notre Dame du Rosaire pupils Milla Goldsbrough, Nate Newton and Emilia Savident.
Dolly has been unable to undertake her regular visits to schools, care homes and hospitals due to her dental problems.
The children at Notre Dame du Rosaire donated money for a school disco and mufti day to help Dolly receive the treatment she needs in the hope that she can then return to her popular community visits soon.
Headteacher Mary Robertshaw said Dolly’s visits were beneficial to the wellbeing of the students.
“The visits from Dolly really helped us to recognize how animals can help mental health and anxiety in children,” said Mrs Robertshaw.
“The children absolutely love Dolly and as soon as they heard she was poorly they wanted to do something to help.”
Pictured: Children in years five and six made also made posters as part of their efforts to support Dolly.
Chloe Sallis, who is 10, said she is a big fan of Dolly.
“I love Dolly, she’s the best. She always makes me happy and she cheered me up when my sister was in the hospital,” she said.
Mrs Robertshaw said children benefitted so much from Dolly's visits that the school was looking into other therapy animals who would be able to visit.
Pictured: Dolly on a visit to Notre Dame du Rosaire Primary School in 2019.
Dolly recently underwent costly specialist dental treatment and sinus surgery. Local vets are pleased with her recovery.
Dolly’s owner and Sophie’s Smile Ponies founder Sophie Veron said Dolly was on track to make a full recovery.
“The vets are happy and there is an 80% chance that Dolly won’t need any further treatment," she said.
"With a bit of luck, Dolly can resume her visits in a couple of weeks, which is very exciting.”
Pictured: Sophie Veron, Dolly's owner, set up an online fundraising campaign to help towards the pony's specialist dental treatment.
Miss Veron set up a JustGiving page to help with the treatment costs for the therapy pony, which were expected to be in excess of £3,500.
“We have been blown away by the outpouring of love for Dolly and would like to thank each and every person that has donated so far,” she said.
“Dolly and I would like to give a special shout out to the children and staff at Notre Dame for holding the disco for Dolly and we hope you had a lot of fun.”
You can donate to Dolly's treatment via the online fundraising campaign by clicking HERE.
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